Around $87 million will be put towards tourism, upgrading popular sites and environments.

The projects include upgrading KiwiRail's TranzAlpine service, improving tourism infrastructure at Punakaiki, improving the environment surrounding the Oparara Arches, upgrading the Croesus road walking and biking track and improving the memorial track for the men killed in the Pike River mine disaster.

A $3 million loan has also been granted to the Punakaiki Resort Wellness Centre to build spa facilities.

Thirty-two million dollars will help extend ultra-fast broadband and mobile coverage across the region.

Hokitika-based dairy company Westland Milk Products has got a $9.9 million loan for a milk segregation project, and $10 million is being loaned to create a new garnet mine at Ruatapu.

"The projects announced today also reflect the priorities of the Tai Poutini Economic Development Strategy and focus on the key sectors already driving the region's economy, which increases the chances of success," said Mr Jones.

"This is a significant boost for the West Coast and demonstrates how the Government is partnering with the region to support projects that will build a better future for rangitahi and everyone here."

Full list of projects for the West Coast region:

$40 million for provincial rail - upgrades to KiwiRail's world-class TranzAlpine service

$32.8 million in connectivity - improving the regions ultra-fast broadband and mobile networks

$25.6 million for the Punakaiki redevelopment - upgrade of Punakaiki tourism infrastructure and improving Dolomite Point visitor experience

$10 million for the Ruatapu Garnet Project - develop new garnet mine at Ruatapu, near Hokitika (loan)